Harissa-Spiced Potato and Carrot Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Root vegetables simmered in a smoky harissa-infused tomato base with aromatic spices. This ethiopian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 45 minutes pairs potatoes, carrots, tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 cups diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until softened and reduced.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1.5 tbsp harissa paste and 1 tsp cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and oil begins to separate.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups cubed potatoes, 2 cups sliced carrots, and 1.5 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 25 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and cook uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce. Season with salt to taste before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Spiced Potato and Carrot Stew take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Harissa-Spiced Potato and Carrot Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Spiced Potato and Carrot Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Harissa-Spiced Potato and Carrot Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Harissa-Spiced Potato and Carrot Stew?

Ethiopian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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